HCM City – HCM City voters took part in the election for the 14th Việt Nam National Assembly this morning, which saw cooler temperatures after an overnight rain.

All electoral places were solemnly decorated with flags, banners and information about candidates. Since early this morning, voters have queued up at electoral places even before the official opening time of 7am.

Nguyễn Thiện Nhân, Politburo member, chairman of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front’s Central Committee and deputy chairman of the National Electoral Council, paid a short visit to HCM City Archbishop Paul Bùi Văn Đọc who had just voted.

“As deputy chairman of the National Electoral Council, I know that the Reverend Father has sent a proper message to parishioners about the election’s important meanings. Today, on behalf of the National Electoral Council, I visited and would like to thank you for your message and wish you good health.”

Nguyễn Quốc Hưng, head of No 97 Electoral Place, ward 15, District 10, said they expected to receive over 2,400 voters today.

"We have been preparing for the election for a week. We worked with a high responsibility and we hope that most voters will come and feel comfortable to vote here. We’re very glad to welcome many voters, who have come very early since 6:30 am, even though official voting opened at 7am. This expresses their will, desire and responsibility," Hưng said.

"I attended the meetings of candidates and voters. This expressed real democracy when local residents could meet, talk and discuss about candidates’ action plans. This is a good change for the election."

Trần Văn Hòa, 88, colonel, former deputy head of the 7th Military Zone’s Technique Department, HCM City, lives in ward 15, District 10 said he had the same feeling as the first day he cast his vote 70 years ago.

“Today, I’m very happy and excited, just as I was during my first voting in 1946 when I was 18 and a soldier. I took part in all 14 Vietnamese elections and felt proud about my country," Hòa said.

"In the coming time, Việt Nam will have a lot of opportunities and challenges as we deeply take part in international integration. Therefore, this election is very important to decide how Việt Nam can develop in the time ahead. I hope that voters will choose the right people who have both talent and virtue to help Việt Nam grow.”

Trương Khôi Nguyên, 18, student at Nguyễn Du Junior School, said "This is my first time to vote. It’s very exciting and I feel proud. I came to the electoral place very early to read again the biographies and action plans of candidates, even though I had read them all at home. I realize that our country needs to have talented and virtuous leaders to grow so I have tried to choose the best ones.”

"All Viettel staff came to the electoral place very early because we wanted to exercise our rights and responsibility to our country before starting a new working day. I believe that through the election, candidates will help Việt Nam become stronger and develop more to catch up to the international level," said Trương Quang Danh, Viettel staff at District 10 branch.

Đỗ Thị Thoi, 75, lives at ward 6, District 3 said her family had seven voters including her 18-year-old grandson.

"The election atmosphere has been very joyful. I love that so I tried to come to the electoral place very early. We must find the right people to lead the country," Thoi said.

"This is my first election and I am very excited. My family often goes out to have coffee on Sunday morning but today, instead of that, four of us came here and voted," said Trần Khoa Phong, 21, lives at ward 6, District 3.

"Actually I don’t really understand how to vote, but thanks to my parents’ help, I can choose the candidates I think are the best. The electoral staff here have carefully instructed me in how I can vote." —VNS